When we paint a person or an animal sleeping soundly, sometimes it seems that we can also paint what they are dreaming about and the mysterious and internal world in which they are currently immersed. It is an indiscreet glance, we observe when that person is unconscious. But in the world of painting and illustration, it has been used a lot to express innocence and beauty. In addition, if those who sleep are children or beautiful maidens, the idea of innocence is enhanced.

The siesta (after Millet), by Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890), was painted between December 1889 and January 1890. 73 x 91 cm © RMN-Grand Palais (Musée d’Orsay) / Hervé Lewandowski.
Van Gogh made this painting inspired by a drawing by Millet and while he was in the Saint-Rémy mental asylum. Those who sleep are two farm workers, who surely, after work fatigue, enjoyed their nap.

Painting those who sleep

Throughout your sleep, your brain cycles repeatedly through two different types of sleep: REM (rapid-eye movement) sleep and non-REM sleep.

The first part of the cycle is non-REM sleep, composed of four stages. The first stage occurs between being awake and falling asleep. The second is light sleep when heart rate and breathing are regulated and body temperature drops. The third and fourth stages are deep sleep. Though REM sleep was previously believed to be the most important sleep phase for learning and memory, newer data suggests that non-REM sleep is more important for these tasks and is also the more restful and restorative phase of sleep.

As you cycle into REM sleep, the eyes move rapidly behind closed lids, and brain waves are similar to those during wakefulness. Breath rate increases and the body becomes temporarily paralyzed as we dream.

The cycle then repeats itself, but with each cycle, you spend less time in the deeper stages three and four of sleep and more time in REM sleep. On a typical night, you’ll cycle through four or five times.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-science-of-sleep-understanding-what-happens-when-you-sleep

Dr. Arianna Maffei’s show, “Taste in the Cerebrum,” opened up captivating bits of knowledge into how our young life food encounters shape our grown-up taste inclinations, tying taste discernment near mind capability, memory, and culture. Her investigation of how early food encounters leave an enduring engraving on the mind impacted me on an individual level, particularly as I ponder my developing inclinations.

One of the most fascinating parts of her discussion was the possibility that our taste inclinations are a question of individual decision yet are profoundly connected to brain processes framed in youth. Dr. Maffei underscored that these early food experiences make a system inside the cerebrum that impacts our impression of taste throughout life. This was both amazing and enlightening, as I had frequently considered taste inclinations something that moved basically because of natural elements or openness to new food varieties in adulthood.

As I continue working on my mandala project for another class, I want to continue working on the idea of a dot art mandala (as shown in class before). I’m going to use my inspirations from Islamic art which in architecture intricate symmetrical patterns, and past pointillism art.

Isilay Yildiz, a Studio Art major, drew inspiration from her life, Islamic patterns, and surroundings. As she is inspired to become an art teacher, she wants to inspire the younger generation to continue creating and to use art to inspire others. She creates dot art mandalas on canvases for meditation and connects with her viewers through intricate patterns and complex designs to show her past experiences.

Isilay Yildiz is a visual artist currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Studio Art at Stony Brook University. With a strong foundation in the arts, Isilay has developed her skills through years of hands-on experience, starting from her time in high school, where she was an active member of the National Art Honors Society and participated in various creative activities. Her passion for art is rooted in both her academic journey and extracurricular activities, including her involvement in community programs such as Best Buddies, where she supported children with autism and Down syndrome in afterschool programs.

Isilay is known for her friendly and kind demeanor, which has helped her form connections in every space she enters. Her dedication to visual arts, coupled with her background in service and instruction, has shaped her unique perspective and artistic voice. As she continues her studies, Isilay is focused on exploring the intersections of art and community, with an emphasis on creating works that reflect her life experiences and social engagement. She looks forward to continuing to grow as an artist and contributing to the contemporary art world with her distinct vision and passion for creativity.